Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth Overview

With a mild climate and plenty of sunshine days per year, Port Elizabeth is a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over the world. From the nearby game regions to the beautiful beaches, PE offers much in the way of outdoor attractions.

From a cultural perspective, PE has a number of interesting sights. Museums, a vibrant township, art galleries and historical landmarks can all be seen on a city tour. The city also offers plenty of activities that are ideal for the whole family.

Beaches are a major draw card, with the warm Indian Ocean offering excellent water sports. Scuba diving is especially good along the coast, with a range of dive schools offering resort courses.

Further inland, safaris can be enjoyed, offering yet another side to this unique coastal town.  

Highlights & Places in Port Elizabeth

A small yet thriving coastal resort region, Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest city of South Africa. Port Elizabeth is situated on the shores of Nelson Mandela Bay, along the Indian Ocean. The city is known by many names besides PE, including the friendly city and the windy city. Both of these names are very apt, but it is the friendliness that will be noticed the most.

PE is most famous for its excellent beaches, which attract a large number of water sports enthusiasts. Scuba diving, kite surfing, yachting and swimming are particularly good in Port Elizabeth.

There is so much more to this city however, including malaria-free Big Five safaris in a range of excellent game reserves and the nearby Addo Elephant Park, where large numbers of elephant can be seen.  

Best Time to Visit Port Elizabeth

When to Go

The city of Port Elizabeth boasts year-round good weather, with warm summers and mild winters. This makes travel excellent any time of year.

Summer months, especially December, tend to be very busy. During the winter months beaches are less crowded however. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Port Elizabeth

There is no international airport in the city, so international travellers will need to enter PE via one of the large cities.

Port Elizabeth Airport is located just a few kilometres out of the city, offering regular flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and other South African destinations.

Bus services are fairly reliable to enter PE from outlying cities, and self-drive is also an option for those wanting to travel from Cape Town through the Garden Route into Port Elizabeth.  

Getting Around Port Elizabeth

The easiest way to get around Port Elizabeth is by hiring a car. Buses and other public transport are less than reliable, and car travel is mostly safer and simpler.

Mini-bus taxis are found in abundance, but can be very daunting. Bicycles can be used in some areas, especially the busier beachfront parts of the city.  

Port Elizabeth Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
ATMs are widely available. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank. Be careful when withdrawing money however, and do not use ATMs in remote, unsafe areas.

Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities can be found at the airport, and many banks offer this service too.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets.

Internet availability:
Internet is readily available, with reliable, fast WiFi and broadband available at the airport, internet cafes, libraries and some coffee shops.

Drinking water:
Water is mostly safe to drink from the tap, except in rural parts outside of the city.

Hospitals & Medical:
Healthcare is variable, with a number of government hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and facilities found throughout the city. 

Port Elizabeth Map